|
Project Sabre, a 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass S
Some of you may have been following the other thread about my car, Project Sabre. Due to some changes, I thought it would be best to start my own thread. The car is back at my house and I will be assembling it here. The paint and bodywork is being done by a friend, and I'll give updates on that shortly.
As a recap, here is the basis of the project: EDIT: HERE ARE THE COMPLETED RENDERINGS!!! THANKS TO JASON RUSHFORTH! We wanted to take a moment to introduce our future shop car and Autocross machine, called Project Sabre. The base of the project is a 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass 'S'. We will be swapping in LS motor, manual transmission, chassis upgrades, custom brakes, Rushforth Wheels along with a slew of other killer upgrades. The goals for this project are a platform to display our products in use, that we can also use competitively at the autocross tracks. But the main goal for this project is to build a very streetable and usable Pro-Touring Muscle Car that anyone can replicate with a little planning and elbow grease. This will not be an overpowered, overpriced car that spends all of its time at shows and on trailers. It is meant to be driven, and driven hard! We will be documenting the entire build from start to finish, so that everyone can see exactly what we used and why. You can see our project site and updates here: www.projectsabre.com Safety though will be of top importance. Brakes, suspension, belts, and other items are being chosen for safety AND performance, not just because they look neat. |
I recently received and installed the Modo Innovations pedal covers, and MAN ARE THEY COOL! Took about 15 minutes to mark and drill the pedals and install. The raised studs will make sure my shoes get wicked grip around the twisties.
We purchased an LQ4 from ebay from a dismantler up north. They shipped it down, and it was torn down, and is now at a friend's shop to be rebuilt. The previous shop painted over some rust / scale / debris and over the deck surface without being masked / taped off, so we would have to strip it all down to do it right. At that point, it made more sense to go through it with new bearings / rings and the like. We also bought an LS1 intake which we'll be installing, which helps get rid of that large monstrosity of a truck intake! In the next 4-6 weeks, we will get the engine back and will do a final install in the chassis along with the transmission and headers. The exhaust will be a Borla universal stainless system. The gauges are from New Vintage USA, and they created a panel that bolts directly in place on the Cutlass dash, and accepts their gauges. |
For the transmission, we are using a rebuilt T56 that I bought, along with a Diamond Stage 2 clutch kit.
The wheels are from Rushforth (www.rushforthwheels.com), and are my favorite part of the car! The 6 spoke design is just awesome with this body, and it's something nobody else around here will have. The color match idea was his, and I dig it. He also provided the rendering for the car as well (www.jasonrushforth.com). The motor mounts and trans mount are from BRP, and are made to be a bolt-in set with no modifications required. For the accessory drive, that is from Kwik Performance. They also included one of their new pumps that is an upgrade for the LSx conversions, and is meant for autocrossing. We get to be the test subject for that setup. For the climate control, we were also the test bed for Vintage Air's new Gen IV kit, made specifically for the '70-'72 Cutlass. Especially in hot Georgia summers, we'll be VERY happy to have this kit installed! |
For the ECM and harness, we sent those to Jim at Jim's Performance. He does a great job stripping out what isn't needed, labeling every single wire, and putting in relays and ports that I do need. I could to it myself, but he's a known producer and does great work. His fee is well worth what he does, and I don't have to hassle with wiring (and that is worth a lot more than he charges!). He's also modifying the PCM. Both will be done for $550, and it'll be right the first time.
The engine will be getting ARP head studs as well as a polished bolt kit rather than reusing most of the stock hardware. For the engine, we upgraded to one of comps cams and lifters along with pushrods. We want to keep the engine reasonable as most of the driving this car will see will be on the autocross so we wanted to have more power, but not go crazy. The disc brakes up front are Z51 Corvette units, and we selected those as they are large, yet inexpensive and can be found at most parts stores should we need some when attending events. The brackets are Kore3's. The hubs had to be turned down to fit the rotors (drum brake hubs left over from a '67 Camaro disc swap), and the brakes were mocked up with the new KORE3 brackets, GM abutments, and a new C6 J52 (Z51) brake rotor and remanufactured C5 Corvette caliper. The rear axle is an 8.8 out of a ford explorer. It comes with discs, 31 spline shafts, 4.10 ratio and a factory limited slip. They are able to handle a ton more power than we're throwing down, and we can use it in stock width (only about 1/4" off from factory). We are keeping the ford bolt pattern in the back so that we can buy used axle shafts from the bone yard if needed, and won't have to worry about any custom work before installing. The only change (other than mounting) is to use a rear cover with integral girdle. That will put pressure on the main caps and keep them from deflecting under hard use. |
We ordered the MGW shifter for our T56! Between that, the hydraulic lines and the Tilton Master, along with the Diamond Stage 2 clutch, we should be slamming through the gears. We also had a custom shift knob made that has Sabre written on it.
The headers are 1 7/8 long tubes by BRP. Oh, for the rolling stock, we're running 19x10 fronts with 275 / 30 tires, and 20x10 rears with 305 / 25 tires. The wheels are Rushforth 6-shooters with gold powder coated centers and polished hoops. I can't get over how great the stance is with the RideTech Complete Coilover Conversion! This car has a completely new attitude, and it's MEAN! For the bushings, I bought a Chevelle Poly Bushing set. Another update: the Schroth Racing Rallye 4 ASM Harnesses arrived We also updated the website Gallery section with pictures bringing us up to date, here: http://www.projectsabre.com/Gallery.html |
Also, we took advantage of the Matt's Classic Bowtie's sale on Morris Classic Concepts 3pt seat belts (saved almost $100 over Summit Racing's price)! I was going to buy them after the car was on the road, but couldn't pass up saving $100. I will use the MCC's for regular street use and to / from events, and then use the Schroth Rallye 4's for race weekends.
I ordered Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K110's based on their reviews, ratings, knowing a few people that have used them, and the price point. I got DT to price-match Summit Racing's prices (killer deal), and after it was all said and done, it saved another $300 over what I was going to pay. Thankfully, that money is now needed for some other parts that we didn't put in the budget, that are now required. The body does look great, but in all honesty there is a ton of work that was in it before it got to the epoxy stage. And, there is going to be about 3 weeks of 8 hours a day in the body work (and that is before paint), and that still won't be a perfect show car job (for those that are wondering). When cutting and welding metal, it can still tweak even a little which requires body work on the tail end. And, even though the car was described as all original, never been wrecked, we've found a few places where there were some hidden minor dents, which of course, take extra body work. But, the car was still the best of the bunch after months of searching, and was a great price for what i got. There was a good bit of bodywork to correct sheet metal that was warped during welding / filling holes. The good part is that the car is in the best hands I could imagine have working on a car. Our body guy is one of the best in the business, and has an amazing eye for detail. He looks for the things I would never think to look for or ask about. I feel lucky to have the car in such capable hands. The chassis was coated at Procryo in Cumming ,GA. They did a great job on it, and we're happy. The only problem is it was scratched by another place when it was outside our care, so we'll have to fix it. I also received the gauge package and new ABS overlay for the cluster from New Vintage, and HOLY COW they look cool! We are using a 6-gauge cluster, with tach and speedo in the center, and then oil / batt / volts / gas split on each side. In the dead center, we had them set us up with one of their killer indicator panels, that has turn signals on either end, and warning lights for check-engine, overheating, low oil, and brights. I'll get pictures up in the next day or so. The best part is that you don't have to hack up your dash to install them. You simply take the original plastic cluster housing out (unbolts from the dash), remove the factory gauges, and use a dremel to trim the original so that the new overlay will fit. Then use epoxy to secure it in place. Takes all of about 30 minutes from start to finish (plus wiring, but that is beside the point). |
I also ordered a front end bolt kit from Tamraz on ebay, along with a 10pc seal kit. All the seals are from MetroMMP, and are their Softseal style. I also had to buy a rubber bumper kit (hood bumpers, hood to fender bumpers, door bumpers, trunk bumper, etc) as mine were all shot.
Also, another update: I ordered the brake cooling ducts and flanges from Jegs. I checked several places, and they had the best price, were in stock, and had free shipping to boot. Those arrived and we'll be running them once the body is back on. |
I also got word from Digi-Tails: they have the prototype panels on-hand, and they are populating them with parts and programming them with the appropriate software. They are shooting to have picture and videos tomorrow. Once everything looks good the production panels will begin. Can't wait to get them! (UPDATE: we now have the first production units on-hand, and will be installing once the body is back at our place.
The seat mounts are going to be redone, as they currently are just tack welded and don't have any supports or tie-ins to the structure. The body guy is tackling that as well as the floor pans. Brakelines: the hardlines are a kit from inline tube, and are stainless. The rear line won't be used, as I'll have to make something myself for the Explorer axle. I will be uploading pictures in a little bit. |
Nice project. You've got a lot of nice stuff going on it.
|
thanks. It's been about a 23 year dream coming to fruition. The goal is to have it on the road by late spring, hopefully sooner (a year after the original deadline) ;)
|
A years not too bad I waited four to get mine back form sheet metal work. I hope it goes smooth!
|
Been a while since the last update, so here goes:
1. got the engine & trans in, headers installed and the front coils adjusted to bring the oil pan off the ground. 2. during the install, had some issues with the mounts and the engine dented the firewall trying to get it all installed. 3. got the front steering components installed and torqued, and the wheels / tires reinstalled so it could roll. 4. sent the car to my painter and had him rework the firewall and paint it, as well as the dash & rear speaker deck area 5. while in there, he saw that the motor mounts were way worse than I thought. He had to cut them apart, flip them around, and generally rework them to get it all level and installed correctly. By doing so, he was able to raise the engine and trans a little giving better ground clearance. This also centered the trans in the tunnel like it should have been (was off-center before). 6. the hard brakelines along the frame have been installed The car is now back in my possession, and will be getting the Vintage Air A/C system and the wiring harness installed. I will also be ordering the driveshaft, and once that is in, the car will go to the exhaust shop to get the Borla stainless steel exhaust system welded & installed. After that, more wiring, fuel system and dash. |
After a LONG delay, Project Sabre is finally moving again. We had to take the car back from the last shop as they let it sit for many months and didn't do the work they said they would. I now have a good shop working on it, and they have been able to accomplish a lot in the last week. We did find that the last couple shops that had the car messed up quite a few things along the way, with incorrect bolts being installed in the suspension, parts installed in the wrong spots / backwards, and the rear axle adapter mounts weren't done properly or safely. As such, the rear axle is coming back out and we're having it all fixed the right way.
In addition to fixing the suspension installation and the rear axle mounts, they are wiring the car, installed the steering column and wheel, finished up the pedal install, hydroboost and brake installation / lines, making a driveshaft, getting the engine ready, installing the a/c system, dash, gauges, etc. The first focus is fixing what's wrong, then working mostly on the drivetrain and suspension issues, then tackling everything else. I'm just glad to see progress, which is LONG overdue! Here are updated pictures: http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115a.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115b.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115c.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115d.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115e.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115f.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115g.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/052115h.jpg |
I had wondered what happened to this build. Glad to see it's getting worked on properly again. Who's doing the work now?
|
Quote:
|
Hurry up then! :D Hope it works out for you and does get completed sooner than later. I'm sure you're ready to drive it again.
|
Minor update, but an update none the less. The shop got all the brake calipers and rotors install, all bearings packed, all Ridetech suspension pieces installed correctly. The window fuzzies have been installed, as well as the door latch hardware including the new handles, handle gaskets and door lock gaskets. The doors close like a new car and sound great when hitting the striker. The tinted glass has been ordered, but a week into the 'processing time' we found that the rear window was backordered. They should have that shipping in about 10 days time, so we should have glass installed within the next 2 or so weeks. The master has been installed and the hydroboost installation is done (they still have to finish up the brakelines, but the hardest part of that system is done). Getting much much closer, and very pleased with the work being done and the communication. Here are pics from this weekend:
http://www.projectsabre.com/images/061315a.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/061315b.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/061315c.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/061315d.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/061315e.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/061315f.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/061315g.jpg |
Dig it
The color combo with the wheels is right on!
|
Love the cutlass! My father was a diehard cutlass guy. After he passed away at the age of 51 I was left with quite a few cutlass projects to sort out I finally weened myself into keeping just two.
This one was his pride and joy and of course it's staying with me and staying in the family http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...n/26d5dd8e.jpg I won't be able to do a custom car out of that one but the other 71 cutlass s may be turned into a pro touring car. Anyways loving the build keep up the good work! Ryan |
69 H/O...way cool.
|
looks awesome, love the hurst models!
|
update from 8/15/15: went by the shop last week and they have all the side glass in, and the front / rear should be installed this week. They also got back the stainless steel trim that we had refurbished and polished, and that will go on with the front / rear glass. The brakes are finished and bled, and the clutch master / lines are done and they will bleed that this week. Driveshaft is done & installed, and rear axle is completed (just needs fluid). We discussed the fuel system and what all is needed, as well as what is needed for the remainder of the wiring / AC system to be installed.
All in all, its coming along well. We did, however, run into a sizable problem: the first shop that measured for wheels & tires forgot to account for the Corvette spindles pushing everything out about an inch. Because of this, with the front fenders on, the inner lip (that has already been rolled) makes contact with the tires in a bad way. We have the front end lifted as high as it will go and it still barely rubs. Due to this, I will have to have both front wheels rehooped to adjust the backspacing and pull them in about an inch on each side. Nothing like throwing away more money for someone else' mistake. Here are a few progress pictures: http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/354.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/355.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/356.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/357.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/358.jpg |
update from 8/27/15: Front and rear glass are now in, and as soon as the trim shop finds the rear trim they lost, we'll be back in business. The gas pedal is being installed, and I'll be ordering a new harness and PCM tomorrow. Turns out the one we have is for a truck layout (which was what we were originally going to run), is longer than we need, and the PCM is for a drive-by-wire set-up (which we are not using). So with that said, I have a flashed / reprogrammed PCM for drive by wire and a fully reworked harness set up for a truck intake available for sale ;)
The shop will start on the wiring in the next week or two once I get the new harness & PCM to them. |
update from 10/4/15: Small update: got the PCM & initial programming ordered, and they should have that shipped in the next few days. The new PSI harness was delivered Friday to the shop, and the 5-pin MAF and 5-pin to 3-pin harness adapter should arrive Tuesday. I released the shop to finish up the wiring from nose to tail, and we'll be installing the PCM on the inside firewall so that it's hidden but accessible. I also released them to install the Vintage Air AC system as well as the dashboard and gauges. We did encounter yet another minor setback. The used racing Tilton Clutch Master Cylinder I supplied started leaking the other day. Thankfully it only leaked inside the cabin, and not on the firewall paint. I sent them a rebuilt kit and that should be rebuilt shortly. I may also have them measure for the front wheel backspacing change next week or the week after, and then send the wheels to Rushforth to be rehooped.
|
update from 12/9/15:
Time for another update. The tilton master has been rebuilt, and all the wiring / pcm / harness came in. The shop is just about done with wiring the entire car, the a/c is 95% done, and the dash has been reinstalled. They are finishing up the wiring, gauges and a/c this week. The battery has been relocated to the trunk, and Optima battery should be here next week. The fuel system components have been ordered and will be installed in the next week or two, and we are modifying the fuel tank we originally built to accommodate the exhaust where we have it going through the frame. Bought the Lokar throttle cable and mounting kit, an EGR plug for the LS1 intake, and had to buy new coils and mounts for the LS1 intake (when I bought the intake, I never bothered to research if the truck coils and mounts would interfere with the fuel rail....which they did). We will also be building our radiator once we finish the fuel tank mods, and will get that installed as well. The front wheels were removed and tires dismounted, and those will be going to Rushforth to change the backspacing. Hopefully, within the next 3-5 weeks, we should be ready to take it to the exhaust shop. |
Today's Update:
Yes, more work has been completed and the shop is moving along quickly (they tend to be waiting for me, rather than the previous situation where I was waiting on other shops) :) The re-hooped Rushforth wheels arrived, and I dropped those off at the shop. The wiring is all but completed, they only lack a few minor things like hooking up the radio / speakers / amps which they are getting from me. The A/C system is installed and only needs to be charged with freon. All glass is installed, fuel system is almost finished (I had to modify the custom tank we built to allow it to sit tighter). Along the way I have been adding tasks here and there, and recently gave them the go-ahead to install the sound deadening, carpet and headliner. It was at that point that we discovered that the headliner clips were shot, and we were missing all headliner channels / windlace, so I had to order all new for those. Overall, I am flat out satisfied with the quality of work they are doing, the time frames, and the communication. Next steps are to finish the fuel system, for me to make our radiator & fan kit, hoses / miscellaneous odds & ends, install the exhaust kit, modify the rear bumper for the exhaust tips, and then it should be ready to test fire. Here are some recent pictures. Disregard the temporary front wheels, as those were just some rollers while I was waiting for the Rushforth wheels to be rehooped with the modified backspacing. http://www.projectsabre.com/images/022516a.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/022516b.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/022516c.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/022516d.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/022516e.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/022516f.jpg |
Getting close! The color looks great. I can't wait to see it out in the sun!
|
Quote:
Went by today to bring the exhaust kit, fuel pump hanger, sound deadening, brake cooling ducts and a bucket of other items. We are getting CLOSE to firing her up. Tires will be re-mounted on the Rushforth wheels in the next week, and the exhaust should be done late next weeks as well. The balance of the sound deadening and carpet will happen in between the other items. Radio and speakers / amps should be installed around the same time. Only pic I took today was the headliner installed. Bad lighting and my camera on my phone has a crap flash, so it doesn't look as good as the installed product. http://www.projectsabre.com/images/headliner.jpg |
The fuel system is now completely installed, including the Finch Performance Dual Overflow Canister is installed, bleed line for the clutch installed, exhaust system finished, and carpet / sound deadening is done. Friday I will be dropping off the RnD Fabrication radiator with HD fan & shroud kit (dual spal 12" HD fans), as well as the PS Reservoir with AN fittings. All that is really left is fluids, radiator hoses, and a cold air intake and filter, then we'll be ready to fire it for the first time. It'll be a while before I can swing the door panels and seat upholstery, as well as the Redline Lumtronix (or similar) headlights, but for now at least the car is just about done.
Here are a few more progress pics: http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA0.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA1.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA2.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA3.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA4.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA5.jpg |
Just tuned in...Glad I did - this will be an awesome tribute car, done the tourn' way. Thanks for posting the progress:relax:
|
More progress as of Friday. I dropped off the radiator with fans, the PS reservoir and a few other items. Got a short list of parts I need to find in the pile, and a few more minor items to buy, and we'll be just about ready to fire it for the first time. Got a chance to sit in the seat and it felt perfect. The seat is ugly as sin with the current worn upholstery, but I'll fix that after its running and driving. Probably another 1-2 weeks and we'll get to hear it run for the first time. Here are a few shots from Friday:
http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA6.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA7.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA8.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/ProgressPics/AA9.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/P...sPics/AA10.jpg |
I still can't get over how the Ridetech suspension puts it at the absolute perfect height. And can't get enough of the Rushforths!
Just ordered the hedman exhaust tubing we will be using for the radiator hoses, should have those tomorrow. |
I dropped off the last of the parts today, and it will be ready to fire next week. Also, we ordered up Redline LumTronix Black Illusions with turn signal headlights (www.HaloHeadlights.co/). We will be running quad lights, and the inner two will serve as the turn signals as well as headlights. Here are a few updated pics:
http://www.projectsabre.com/images/P...sPics/AA11.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/P...sPics/AA12.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/P...sPics/AA13.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/P...sPics/AA14.jpg I will get pics of the Redline LumTronix lights on and videos once it's all put together. |
Got a call yesterday that the shop fired up the engine! Said it idles and runs perfectly. They are sorting out a few minor issues that needed to be buttoned up, but it sounds like it'll be ready for me to go get it next week!!!
|
Finally, after 5 years, I got to drive my car! Of course, it only has a not-so-great base tune, but I did put about a mile on it driving through my neighborhood. Even with a bad tune, that thing has gobs of power! It will be going back to the shop in about 3-4 weeks to have the repaired temp and fuel gauges reinstalled, as well as to dial in a few items. As soon as that is done, it is off to the dyno tuner to get dialed in. Then, back to the buffer / polisher to get the hood knocked out and the rest of the body retouched. After that, it'll be time to get some miles on her.
http://www.projectsabre.com/images/070116a.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/070116b.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/images/070116c.jpg |
She's ALIVE! Picked the car up friday afternoon, and proceeded to beat the snot out of it for about 85 miles of gear slammin fun! The Ridetech suspension is absolutely amazing, and I could NOT be happier!!! The stance is perfect, it rides great, and handles like nothing else I've driven. Took it to a local show saturday morning, and after hanging out for a few hours I had to leave before the show was over. Turns out it was selected for Director's Choice as the winner, but since I wasn't there it went to another attendee (fine by me, I'm not much for trophies at car shows). I have a few small bugs to work out (couple rattles, idle issue, fuel fill issue, etc) but they are minor. Now just to start getting some serious seat time.
|
Awesome build man really looks great!
|
Really glad it's made it this far. Congrats and enjoy the ride!
|
Quote:
|
Here are some pics from our first shake-down run with Sabre. I set up an even called Cruise Through The Mountain in N. Ga, and we had 6 cars (very laid back event / no racing, just cruising through some twisty roads, a few stops to stretch legs, lunch at a brew pub in Blue Ridge, Ga. and we wrapped up with dinner at the Amicalola Falls Lodge). I will set up a couple of these events a year for anyone that wants to join in.
http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM1.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM2.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM3.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM4.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM5.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM6.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM7.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM8.jpg http://www.projectsabre.com/Events/CTTM16/CTTM9.jpg |
| All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:15 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright Lateral-g.net